Town of Fort Gay to celebrate Sesquicentennial on Aug. 30
By Brenda Hardwick
A town turning 150 years old is undeniably a reason to celebrate. According to Wikipedia, the Town of Fort Gay traces back to 1789, when 11 people established a settlement at the junction of the Tug and Big Sandy Rivers, across from what is now known as Louisa, Kentucky.
In 1875, it was chartered as Cassville, though it was simultaneously known as Fort Gay. In 1932, the town’s name was officially changed to Fort Gay.
In celebration, the town will combine the “Sesquicentennial” celebration, the annual Mountain Heritage Day Festival (which began in 1972) and the weekend before Labor Day, all into one.
On Thursday, Aug. 28, the class of 1970 will host a FGHS Wall Gathering in front of the school, beginning at 5 p.m., All alumni are invited to attend to reminisce and reconnect.
Prior to the festival, the annual Alumni Association Joe Damron Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, Aug. 29, at Eagle Ridge Golf Course, Louisa.
Cost is $60 per player/$240 per team. Lunch and awards provided. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with tee time at 9 a.m.
To register contact, Tim Preston at 606-483-0945 or Drew Waller at 304-617-2744. Proceeds go to the FGHSAA/Richard Plymale Scholarship Fund.
The annual Fort Gay High School Alumni Association Rita Pelfrey Memorial Banquet will be held at the Louisa First Baptist Church on Friday, Aug. 29, at the Louisa First Baptist Church Family Center, Pike St., downtown Louisa. The cost is $25 per person/$10 for children 12 and under. Check-in begins at 5 p.m., with programing beginning at 6 p.m.
Tables will only be reserved for alumni reunion classes. If you have a large group, please arrive early to secure your seats. Food will be served by Rebel Barn Catering.
To register contact Sandy Hammond at 606-422-9667, Linda Jones at 304-654-0319 or Deb Devaney at 304-648-5338.
An Alumni Coffee and Donuts, sponsored by the FGHSAA and Fort Gay Baptist Church will kick off the festival on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 8-10 a.m., at the Fort Gay Public Library.
Fort Gay High School memorabilia, apparel, awards, class pictures (that used to hang in the hallways of the school) and more will be on display. Old gym floor souvenirs including crosses will also be available for purchase.
The Mountain Heritage Day community parade returns this year, featuring classic cars, community organizations, schools, churches and etc., with the route being from the intersection of Tolsia Highway and coming past the former Fort Gay Middle/High School. Sirens will begin at 10:30 a.m. “The parade always draws a good crowd of spectators. This year’s theme, “Celebrating 150 Years of Fort Gay,” gives us something special to reflect on together,” said Janet Wellman, one of the organizers.
Newly elected Fort Gay Mayor Bob Sword would like everyone to be extra mindful during the holiday weekend. “We ask everyone to stay aware of their surroundings and be patient, it’s going to be crowded and traffic will be heavy,” he said.
Enter a float, a display, or showcase a piece of history in the parade. The theme is historical, so classic cars, vintage machinery, and other memorabilia are especially welcome.
Due to the construction going on at the former school by Coalfield Development Corporation, Mountain Heritage has been moved to the lot behind the Fort Gay Community Trust Bank and surrounding area. The Fort Gay (new) gym will also be used.
The celebration is also to honor the people – both past and present – who have called and continue to Fort Gay, WV, home.
Families can enjoy a variety of attractions throughout the day including, the Fort Gay Alumni Association will have a table selling memorabilia from the old Fort Gay High School gym floor on display for sale.
Children and families will find plenty to enjoy, with bounce houses, and more. A variety of food trucks will be available throughout the day, offering everything from tacos and burgers to coffee and sweet treats.
Let’s come together to celebrate this incredible milestone. Join us as we honor our history, enjoy the present, and look toward a bright future. Welcome, and let the festivities begin!